Is ESTA required for transit through the USA?

Many travellers know that if they want to visit the United States, they need an ESTA authorisation (or traditional visa) before their departure. But only few know that ESTA also is required for a transit through the United States, if it is just for a stopover of only a few minutes or hours. For this if you are planning to travel to one country through the USA, you should therefore complete the procedure for obtaining ESTA authorisation at least 72 hours before your departure.

When you are simply transiting through an U.S. airport to go to another country you will generally have to change your airplane and therefore pass through the “transit zone”. Before your arrival in the transit zone you will also have to pass through an identity check and customs control the same as if it was your final destination. You will then be able to take your next flight. 

In the same way and for travelling from one US town to another, the air companies will require that you hold a valid ESTA travel authorisation. It should also be noted that the ESTA is also required when travelling not only for air, but too by other means of transport such as by sea.

How to complete an ESTA application for transit through the USA?

The procedure to follow to obtain an ESTA for a transit is exactly the same as if you were applying for a travel authorisation for a stay in the United States; the only difference being that on the questionnaire to complete you should note that your travel to the US occurring in transit to another country. The cost of your ESTA application is the same as requesting a travel authorisation to stay in the United States. For more about the price of ESTA you can read here.

As with the traditional visa, ensure that you have your valid biometric or electronic passport close to hand. Once you have obtained your ESTA, and even though it is not obligatory, we recommend you print a copy to carry with you during your visit.

Can I use a previously issued ESTA?

If you have already approved ESTA travel authorization and if it was issued less than two years ago, you can reuse it for your transit through the United States. Of course, your personal information should be updated to ensure that your ESTA remains valid for this future trip.

The ESTA authorisation concerns all those boarding a ship or plane to travel to the USA, whether or not it is their final destination. Your ESTA will not of course be requested by the American immigration service as you are not really disembarking, but it must be valid when you board. The company with which you will travel can in fact refuse to allow you to board if you have not submitted your travel authorisation application.

It may seem annoying to have to complete an ESTA application for a simple stopover in the United States, but it is reassuring to know that this travel authorisation can actually be used numerous times during its two year validity.

If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us.